Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering has developed in a way which means that there is no typical mechanical engineer and no typical mechanical engineering job. However, this area is to do with items that move – engines, motors, generators and turbines – and the gears and levers that deliver and produce power. It is seen in mechanical engines and garages; engine design, construction, testing and evaluation; the movement of water, air and other fluids; transport of all types including ships, aeroplanes and racing teams. The engineers apply knowledge and solve problems using mathematics and science.

Nowadays mechanical engineering is the power behind innovations, design and bold new product development. Engineering offers an excellent and rewarding career, and provides huge variety and scope for anyone looking for something more challenging than the routine. It is a fast-moving, ever-evolving field and people are always in demand, As processes change, engineers need to be retrained in the use of the most up-to-date equipment and their skills have to be continually enhanced and improved.

Mechanical engineering in the Services

The Services have a range of highly qualified individuals in most aspects of engineering. All have mechanical engineering specialists, working on sophisticated and complex instruments, vehicles, engines (including nuclear reactors) and other equipment. Qualifications after training range from Master’s degrees, through National Certificates and Diplomas to NVQ Level 2, with institute membership at the appropriate grade being available to most professional engineers.

Qualifications and training

Engineering Council

Because there are so many different qualifications available, it is simplest to look at the relevant institutions to describe how an individual’s portfolio can be developed. The Engineering Council is the engineering profession’s lead body and registers all engineers. The Register has three sections, as described below.

1. Chartered Engineers (CEng) develop appropriate solutions to engineering problems, using new or existing technologies, through innovation, creativity and change. They develop and apply new technologies, promote advanced designs and design methods, introduce new and more efficient production techniques, marketing and construction concepts, and pioneer new engineering services and management methods. They are engaged in technical and commercial leadership and possess interpersonal skills.

2. Incorporated Engineers (IEng) use today’s technology through creativity and innovation. To this end, they maintain and manage applications of current and developing technology, and may undertake engineering design, development, manufacture, construction and operation. Incorporated Engineers are engaged in technical and commercial management, and possess effective interpersonal skills.

3. Engineering Technicians (EngTech) apply proven techniques and procedures to the solution of practical engineering problems. They carry supervisory or technical responsibilities, and exercise creative aptitudes and skills within defined fields of technology. They contribute to the design, development, manufacture, commissioning, operation and maintenance of products, equipment, processes or services, applying safe systems of work.

Becoming a CEng, IEng or EngTech

To become a CEng, IEng or EngTech, people must demonstrate appropriate competence and commitment through:

- academic qualifications

- experience and training

- a professional review, which may involve a dissertation, an interview or an exam

- membership of a licensed member organisation.

Members of licensed organisations will already have achieved some or all of these requirements. Members of non-UK engineering organisations, or people who hold qualifications recognised by them, may also have achieved some of the requirements.

The first step is to check if your academic qualifications are recognised. A large number of them are accredited, but even if your qualifications are not on the list you may still be eligible. If you are in the UK, or a UK citizen, you should contact the licensed member organisation that is most aligned with your interests. Even if your qualifications are not immediately acceptable, you may be accepted through an assessment conducted by a licensed organisation, or by taking all or part of another qualification or the Engineering Council exam. The licensed organisation you approach will advise you on your best option.

Demonstrating your experience, training and commitment requires membership of one of the licensed organisations. Tell them you want to be registered – if possible stating the category of registration (CEng, IEng or EngTech) you require. Assessing your credentials can take up to six months, especially if an interview is required. Costs vary between £50 and £400.

CEng or IEng registration will usually require a professional review interview, based on your submitted application and accompanying portfolio. The detailed requirements for registration may be found under ‘UK-SPEC’ on the Engineering Council website.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) only admits people who are CEng or IEng, and has over 75,000 members worldwide.

- Affiliates are working towards engineering qualifications or have an interest in mechanical engineering .

- Associate members are engineering degree graduates.

- Members meet academic requirements and competences for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with the Engineering Council.

- Fellows are members in a position of senior responsibility.

The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) is an amalgamation of the professional bodies for plant engineers and road transport engineers, and has 18,000 individual and corporate members.

- Students are studying or training in engineering.

- Graduates have qualified in a relevant discipline but require further training and experience.

- Associates are working in an engineering-related occupation.

- Associate members have a good basic level of relevant academic or training qualifications and engineering experience. May also achieve registration as EngTech.

- Members have a balance of academic qualifications or training, with extensive experience. Generally achieve registration at IEng level.

- Fellows are senior engineers with high academic achievement or many years of training, and extensive experience. Generally achieve registration at CEng level.

The Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE) now admits people at CEng, IEng and EngTech status, with 40,000 members.

- Associates are students, or people with the qualifications but insufficient professional experience, or with a good education without the qualifications for membership, or who want to be part of the IIE without the necessary paperwork, or who are waiting for assessment.

- Associate members have the qualification but insufficient professional experience for membership, or have the full qualification for EngTech.

- Members have academic qualifications, experience, professional development and competence as IEng, and will be registered with the Engineering Council as IEng.

- Fellows have been members for three years and professional engineers for ten years, at least five of them in a senior position of responsibility.

Other professional bodies include:

- Royal Aeronautical Society

- Institution of Agricultural Engineers

- Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology

- TWI Ltd (The Welding Institute).

The Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (SEMTA) is currently:

- researching and identifying skill requirements and training needs

- promoting NVQs and SVQs

- developing national training models, including Modern Apprenticeships

- encouraging and supporting lifelong learning

- developing occupational standards and products to support training and development.

Employment

The traditional way of finding employment has changed significantly, with students having many options as they leave university, so employers are using the Internet and a variety of other channels. Recruitment fairs offer an excellent opportunity to meet prospective employers. Visitors can get a feel for the company ethos and have the chance to make a good impression, explaining their previous experience and areas of expertise.

Many people work within mechanical engineering departments in positions such as project manager. It is possible to progress from working with tools through supervisory grades (responsible for people and machinery), to management (manpower, machinery and budgets), to higher management (managing managers and strategic matters).

Contact details

Engineering Council, Membership Department, 10 Maltravers Street, London WC2R 3ER Tel: 020 7240 7891 Fax: 020 7379 5586 Website: www.engc.org.uk

Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 1 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ Tel: 020 7973 1240 Fax: 020 7973 0448 Website: www.imeche.org.uk

Society of Operations Engineers, 22 Greencoat Place, London SW1P 1PR Tel: 020 7630 1111 Fax: 020 7630 6677 Website: www.soe.org.uk

Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Savoy Hill House, Savoy Hill, London WC2R 0BS Tel: 020 7836 3357 Fax: 020 7497 9006 Website: www.iie.org.uk

Royal Aeronautical Society, 4 Hamilton Place, London W1J 7BQ Tel: 020 7670 4300 Fax: 020 7670 4309 Website: www.aerosociety.com

Institution of Agricultural Engineers, West End Road, Silsoe, Bedford MK45 4DU Tel: 01525 861096 Fax: 01525 861660 Website: www.iagre.org

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ Tel: 020 7382 2600 Fax: 020 7382 2670 Website: www.imarest.org

TWI Ltd, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB1 6AL Tel: 01223 891162 Fax: 01223 892588 Website: www.twi.co.uk

Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (SEMTA), 14 Upton Road, Watford, Herts WD18 0JT Tel: 01923 238441 Fax: 01923 256086 Website: www.semta.org.uk